Friday, July 27, 2012

The Regina Thunder open their 2012 training camp tonight at Scotty Livingstone Field. Just under 80 players have been invited and will be competing all week long for starting and back up jobs. Quarterback Landon Bessell will not be attending training camp as he has decoded to pursue an education instead of playing football. Wide Receiver Brandon Sieber will also not be coming back this season.

I will have plenty of coverage from camp. The team will run two a days for Saturday and Sunday and then evening sessions all week before playing the Winnipeg Rifles next Saturday in Yorkton.

Here's an interview I did with Head Coach Erwin Klempner this afternoon, previewing this weeks training camp.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Saskatoon, SK – This is the Golf Saskatchewan weekly report for the week of Monday, July 23rd to Sunday, July 29th.

Rule of the Week

Reference to Rule 11-1: Use of a Tee That Has Been Found by the Player

Q: May a player use a tee or a broken tee that he has found or is this a breach of the rule that prohibits sharing equipment?

A: A player may use a tee (see Appendix IV) that he has found.This includes a broken or discarded tee.

There is no general rule that prohibits the sharing of equipment.Please refer to Rule 4-4 which discusses the sharing of clubs and to Decision 5-1/5 which discusses the sharing of other equipment such as towels, balls, tees, gloves, etc.

Many players have talked of instances where someone has been penalized for using a discarded tee.This is an urban legend.No player should be penalized for this.

To improve your feel when pitching, it’s a good idea to practice hitting balls from varying distances.It’s fine to play from one spot and groove a swing, but this doesn’t help you feel the shot.

Start from a point roughly 10 yards from the green.Work your way back to about 80 yards by dropping and playing a few balls from points about 10 yards apart.From each spot you are going to have to change the strength of your stroke and possibly the loft coming into the green.

This practice develops a sense of distance control and touch.It’s a vital asset when you are out on the course, since you have only one chance to play the shot!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Brandon, MB. -- The Brandon Wheat Kings will have a familiar face behind the bench when they take to the ice for the 2012-13 Western Hockey League season this September.

Wheat Kings' General Manager Kelly MCrimmon has announced that longtime assistant Dwayne Gylywoychuk has been promoted and will handle the head coaching duties this year.

"This is an opportunity that Dwayne has earned," says McCrimmon. "He has been an integral part of a successful program for many years. During that time he has gained a great deal of experience, and he now takes the next step to be a Head Coach."

A 39-year old Winnipeg native, Gylywoychuk takes over from Cory Clouston , who was relieved of his duties following the 2011-12 campaign.

"I'm very excited to start my head coaching career in Brandon, with an organization that is deep in tradition and rich in history."

Gylywoychuk, who joined the club's coaching staff in 2003 and has worked under Dean Clark, Mike Kelly, Kelly McCrimmon and Clouston during his tenure, signed a multi-year contract with the club.

"I would like to thank Kelly and the Wheat Kings' organization for this opportunity," he went on to say. "I look forward to working with Kelly and Darren."

Joining Gylywoychuk on the bench will be former teammate Darren Ritchie, who will be returning for his sixth season with the team.

A 5-year WHL player, Gylywoychuk is the proud owner of one of the hockey club's most respected records - Most Games Played in a Wheat Kings' career. Gylywoychuk suited up for a franchise record 323 games.

Before returning to Brandon in 2001, Gylywoychuk played eight seasons of professional hockey.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Come join us at the Wascana Golf and Country Club as the Regina Pats honour the late Pats great, Doug Wickenheiser. NO SKILLS REQUIRED!!!

Monday, August 27th 2012

1:00PM – Shotgun Start

Entry Fee: $300 Per Golfer (gst included)

***PLEASE NOTE – SOFT SPIKES ONLY!!***

HOLE AND TEE SPONSORSHIPS For only $300 your company name can be displayed at a tee box or green on a 2’ x 2’ hole sponsor sign on the picturesque Wascana Golf and Country Club course. All production costs are included. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your business and show your support of this great fundraising event!!!

REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

 18 HOLES OF GOLF & POWER CART

 REGINA PATS SWAG BAG (RETAIL VALUE OVER $125)

 ALL COURSE ACTIVITIES/CONTESTS

o INCLUDES: CHIPPING/PUTTING CONTESTS, FOOD/BEVERAGE
HOLES, RAFFLES

 MULLIGANS (3 PER GOLFER)

 SUPPER FOLLOWING EVENT

Please R.S.V.P. by August 6, 2012 email us at pats@reginapats.com or call (306) 522-5604 fax 569-1021

This event is open to golfers of all levels. Be sure and register early, as space is limited. Feel free to invite your co-workers, friends, family and/or associates to join us on the links.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed import receiver Terence Jeffers-Harris. Financial details of the agreement were not released.

Jeffers-Harris (6’2 – 216) is a CFL veteran who joins the green and white after spending time in Hamilton and Winnipeg. The 24-year old Georgia native was signed to the Tiger-Cats practice roster in November of 2011 after spending two seasons in Winnipeg with the Blue Bombers where he appeared in 19 games.

The Vanderbilt graduate played in 11 games during his 2010 rookie season for the Bombers and tallied 48 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns. Last year, Jeffers-Harris totaled 29 catches for 347 yards and two touchdowns after appearing in eight games.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Saskatoon, SK – This is the Golf Saskatchewan weekly report for the week of Monday, July 16th to Sunday, July 22nd.

Rule of the Week

Reference to Rule 4-3 – Club Broken After Slammed in Anger

Q: A player breaks the head of his club as a result of slamming it on the ground in anger, throwing it, or intentionally striking something (i.e. a tree, cart path) other than during a stroke, practice stroke, or practice swing.May the player replace the damaged club before the completion of the stipulated round?

A: No.As the club was damaged other than in the normal course of play, it may not be replaced during the round.

Golf Saskatchewan suggests to players that they take a deep breath or several deep breaths prior to doing anything on the golf course in anger.Remember, it was the operator’s error and the club’s responsibility to execute the desired shot.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

At the inaugural Eberle and Friends Golf Classic, which benefits the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, the Regina Pats announced that they will be retiring Jordan's number 7 this season on October 9th when the Portland Winterhawks are in town. From 2006-2010 Eberle put up 155 goals and 155 assists for the Blue and White. Now just a couple years removed from his hometown WHL Club his jersey will join the 8 others which have been retired to this point. They include, #1 Ed Staniowski, #8 Brad Hornung, #9 Clark Gillies, #12 Doug Wickenheiser, #14 Dennis Sobchuk, #16 Dale Derkatch, #16 Mike Sillinger and #17 Bill Hicke.

Today's golf tournament is being held at the Wascana Golf and Country Club and I was able to get a few minutes with Eberle before he teed off his round. Here's what he had to say about the news.

"I was pretty shocked, especially being at such a young age its pretty neat and a big accomplishment. But I still have a lot to do and a lot to look forward to."

Did you see this coming?

"I had no idea, whenever you think about that you think you expect to be 40 and retired but its definitely exciting news."

On being back in Regina?

"There's a lot of Oilers fans here which is great, obviously I got a chance to play in my home town and play my junior career here. I'm excited about the future with the Oilers and its always fun to come back here and give back."

I also chatted with President and Governor Brent Parker today about honoring Eberle in this way.

"Well for us, well a lot of people are wondering why so soon, you know he obviously early in his NHL career but for us it was more about what he did and accomplished here with the Pats. His on ice exploits are well documented but for us it was the other side of it too with what he did in the community and the impact he had on the community with the various events he was involved with and the appearances. So we thought the tie in with this event giving back it really made sense to announce it at that point in time. We kept it pretty quiet, there were only 3 or 4 people who knew and he was pretty speechless when we told him. I think he's pretty honored and I know he was always proud to play in his home town and obviously proud to be a Pat and it was a pretty special moment for him for sure."

On how the off season is going for the organization with hockey not far away.

"Yeah its not far away, I think were about 6 weeks away from training camp which sneaks up on you in a hurry. We've actually surpassed last years number already in season tickets so were creeping up I think were 3 percent ahead of last years number. That excites us I think the people in the city feel good about the direction the team is taking. Chad (Lang) Pat (Conacher) and the coaching staff did a wonderful job last year instilling that work ethic back into the team. So were going the right direction, we will be young again this year, especially on the back end but we keep working towards that goal and obviously that goal is a championship."

Tickets are available at www.reginapats .com or by calling the office at 522-5604.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats Hockey Club has announced it will retire the jersey of former Pat and CHL Player of the Year, Jordan Eberle, October 9th when the Pats host the Portland Winterhawks at the Brandt Centre.

The announcement came during tonight’s Centre Ice Celebration in advance of the first Eberle and Friends Golf Classic which tees off tomorrow in support of the Hospitals of Regina Foundation.

Ranking thirteenth on the team’s all-time scoring list, Eberle played for the Pats from 2006-2010 and scored 155 goals and added 155 assists. Jordan also suited up for 19 games with Canada’s Under-18 and World Junior teams where he tallied 18 goals and 18 assists for a total of 36 points.

Regina Pats President, Brent Parker, on Eberle’s time in Regina, “His on ice accomplishments are well documented with the Pats, Canada’s National programs and now in the NHL, but for me it was the class with which he conducted himself off the ice and in our community that separates him from others and truly makes him one of the best Pats of all time. Jordan epitomizes what we want our players to be and what we want our organization to be about. It was special to watch him grow up over his time with the Pats. There’s no doubt he’s very deserving of this honor.”

“It’s definitely an honour to be up there and for Jordan it’s obviously well deserved”, says Edmonton Oilers Director of Player Development Mike Sillinger. “Here’s a kid who’s getting his jersey retired and he’s only 22 years old. Any time you can have your jersey retired in junior hockey at that age; it speaks volumes of his performance.

Jordan, along with Pats Owner Russ Parker and President Brent Parker will be available to speak with members of the media at the Wascana Country Club at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning as a part of the Eberle & Friends Golf Classic media conference.
The Regina Pats are pleased to announce Mosaic will be the title sponsor for Jordan Eberle Night.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Team Canada won the International Federation of American Football's U-19 World Championship this weekend beating the USA 23-17 in the Final on Sunday. Of the 45 players that played for Team Canada, 4 were from Saskatchewan including the Regina Thunder Defensive Lineman Brett Wade.

In the tournament Canada beat Sweden 43-0, they beat Japan 33-24 and the USA 23-17.

The US took the silver while Japan took home the Bronze, Austria 4th, America Samoa 5th, France 6th, Sweden 7th and Panama 8th.

I talked with Brett this afternoon and here's what he had to say about the tournament.

"It was a great experience of course just going there and playing against the Americans and the Japanese. I'm just happy to get the wins and yea its feels awesome."

Wade said the tournament followed American rules.

"Its a different style of game first of all with 4 downs and no yards and just to see the different ways that Sweden and Japan play their game and what they do and what America does was a lot different than what I'm used to. We followed all the NCAA rules and regulations and all that so there was no Canadian aspect to the games."

I asked how they were able to adjust to a very different game.

"We all kind of checked our egos at the door and just played as a team and just really listened to what the coaches had to say and it worked out in the end."

On playing for his country.

"It was awesome, tons of fun and also it was kind of weird hearing the different anthems before every game but yeah it was a great experience and I'd like to do it again some day."

Saskatoon, SK – This is the Golf Saskatchewan weekly report for the week of Monday, July 9th to Sunday, July 15th.

Rule of the Week

Based on Rule 15-2: Can I Use a Putting Ball?

Q: Once I reach the putting green, is it permissible to switch balls so I can putt with a ball that has “better feel”?

A: Rule 15-2 requires a player to hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground unless he is proceeding under a rule that permits him to substitute another ball.Thus, the substitution of a ball on the putting green other than when permitted by the rules (i.e., a ball unfit for play) is contrary to Rule 15-2.However, a player may change golf balls between the play of two holes.

The most important fundamental in golf is balance.To achieve one’s potential you must achieve mental, emotional, and physical balance in performing the swing motion.Mental balance comes from understanding what you are trying to do.Emotional balance comes from the consistent application of what you are trying to do.Physical balance is achieved from connecting the correct starting position to the correct finishing position.

If you are out of balance in any of the areas you cannot reach your full potential.Therefore, it isn’t so much what we do but knowledge of what you are trying to do that is important.The best way to receive that knowledge is from a qualified PGA of Saskatchewan professional.

Cadmus Delorme of the Cowessess First Nation and a member of the Royal Regina Golf Club is back to defend his title, after winning the event for the first time at the Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre last year.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Selander fired a final round 89, amid torrid wind conditions at The Legends in Warman. The 16-year-old finished the week at +18, after entering into contention with a second round 1-under-par 71 on Tuesday.

Selander, a 15-year-old, was one of the fortunate few players who was able to complete his entire second round on Tuesday. Forty-nine players in the field entered Wednesday having to play the remainder of their second round, which was suspended due to lightning and heavy rain on Tuesday.

Justin Wood of Unity and the North Battleford Golf & Country Club and Leighton Bearchell of Moose Jaw and the Hillcrest Golf Club tied for second, one stroke off the pace.

Selander, Wood, and Bearchell will now make up Team Saskatchewan at the 2012 Canadian Junior Boys Championship at the Osprey Ridge Golf Club in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia from July 31st-August 3rd.

In addition to the three, Daegan Wall of Regina, Corey Bailey of Shaunavon, Nathan Corrin of Moose Jaw, Tyler Puetz of Melfort, Zach Hurd of Prince Albert, and Michael Prodanuk of Saskatoon will fill the extra Saskatchewan quota spots at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

Selander was also a part of the winning team of the inaugural PGA of Saskatchewan Junior Men’s Team Cup. The Cooke Municipal Golf Course Team #1, made up of Selander, Cory Sawchuk, and Zach Hurd, had a combined score 450 over the three days of the tournament to narrowly edge out the Riverside Country Club Team #1 by one stroke.

Hobson, a 13-year-old, shot a final round 88 for 16-over-par 259 to finish six strokes ahead of Kayla Sawchuk, also of Prince Albert and the Cooke Municipal Golf Course, for the tournament win.

The entire junior women’s field was forced to finish the remainder of the second round on Wednesday morning before heading back out onto the course for the final round in the afternoon.

Hobson, Sawchuk, and Lisa Reid, of Regina and the Royal Regina Golf Club, will now make up Team Saskatchewan at the 2012 Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship at the River Spirit Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta from July 31st-August 3rd.

Hobson and Sawchuk made up the winning team in the inaugural PGA of Saskatchewan Junior Women’s Team Cup with a 7-shot victory over the Royal Regina Golf Club team.

______________________________________________________________ Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the Club has hired Ryan McGill as the sixth bench boss in franchise history. McGill, who has signed a three-year contract, was Head Coach of the Edmonton / Kootenay ICE from 1997 – 2002 and led the club to the 2000 WHL Championship and 2002 Memorial Cup.

“Today is a special day for our organization as the Head Coach who first developed the winning culture and tradition that has been synonymous with our program for the past 14 years has come full circle. A Head Coach of Ryan McGill's caliber and experience will be invaluable to our Hockey Club as we move forward. During his time in the American Hockey League Ryan developed many current National Hockey League players and that experience will come in handy as we ice one of the youngest teams in the WHL this season,” continued Chynoweth.

“Being away from the game of hockey for the past year has made me appreciate it even more. Dealing with players today is much different than it was in 2002, but just like being a parent you learn to adapt and to adjust to each individual situation. The WHL is a great League with a lot of great coaches, but my familiarity with the Chynoweth family made the decision to return to Major Junior Hockey an easy one for myself and my family,” commented Ryan McGill.

Ryan McGill led the ICE to a 174-133-43 career regular season record during his first tenure with the Club, including back-to-back 100 point seasons (1999-2000 and 2000-2001), four playoff appearances, two conference titles, two WHL Championships (2000 and 2002) and one Memorial Cup Championship (2002). He was also named the Western Conference Coach of the Year in 2001-2002 and posted a 42-19 career playoff record (.689 winning percentage). McGill left Kootenay following the 2002 Memorial Cup and spent seven years in the AHL as Head Coach with the Hartford Wolf Pack (2002-2005) and Omaha Ak-Sar Ben Knights / Quad City Flames (2005-2009). He was promoted to Assistant Coach with the Calgary Flames in June 2009 and spent two years with the NHL club.

Ryan McGill is a 43-year-old native of Sherwood Park, Alberta. He and his wife Karen are the parents of two girls – Kate (12) and Kyla (9).

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Saskatchewan Roughrider quarterback Darian Durant has been named the CFL’s Gibson’s Finest Offensive Player of the Week.

Durant had an impressive start to the 2012 season in the Riders 43-16 victory over the Tiger Cats on Friday in Hamilton. On the night, Durant completed 25 of 34 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran the ball five times for 33 yards.

This is the second time in his career Durant has been named CFL Offensive Player of the Week to open the regular season.

Saskatoon, SK – This is the Golf Saskatchewan weekly report for the week of Monday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 8th.

Rule of the Week

Rule 6-7 – Time Limit to Play a Stroke

Q: Is there a rule that you must play a stroke within 40 seconds?

A: No. The Rules of Golf place no time limit on playing a specific stroke. However, a Committee may adopt a pace of play policy with certain requirements (e.g., that when a group is out of position and is being timed, each player must play within a specified period of time.) A breach of this rule could be a one stroke, two stroke penalty or in the case of repeat offences, it could be a disqualification penalty.

In reality, for most recreational rounds, Golf Saskatchewan encourages people to play ready golf. If it is clear to play, the player who is ready should make his stroke. Golf Saskatchewan also encourages groups to use continuous putting. For instance, if you ball is 10 inches from the hole after your first putt, please tap it in the hole, unless you are going to step on another person’s line.

Remember, a quicker pace leads to lower scores and a more enjoyable game.

Practice with a Purpose. Beating balls on a range is really wasting your time if you aren’t practicing with purpose. The range is for warming up the body on golf days and for training on days you don’t plan to play. Learn how to hit all types of shots on your training day. If you stand there and try to hit it straight all day you will notice zero improvement when going on the course. If you try to learn how to draw the ball, then fade the ball, then hit it low, hit it high, etc. you will see better results. By practicing these types of shots you are learning and understanding your swing rather than quickly memorizing it. Trust me, there is a big difference. Next time you go out to the range to practice, try doing a random session instead of a blocked one. I would explain this terminology further, but if you really are keen to improve you will Google these two words (random/blocked) and you’ll see this is the proven way to really improve. See your local PGA of Saskatchewan Professional and they will assist you in Practicing with a Purpose.